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He raised an eyebrow. “You know I don’t eat much sugar.”

She grinned mischievously. “And yet you kissed me. Didn’t you say I tasted sweeter than any dessert?”

He chuckled, biting the inside of his cheek and picked up a muffin, but instead of taking a bite, he held it out to her. “You first.”

She took a small bite, her eyes locked with his. Then, without a word, he brought the muffin to his lips and took a bite from the same spot that she had, like he wanted to taste more than just food. There was something dangerously intimate in the simplicity of that gesture.

“It’s good,” he said. “How many did your grandfather eat?”

“Just one,” she replied. “I warned him that if he asked for more, I’d report directly to you.”

Shaurya let out a low, amused laugh that vibrated through her. She needed to look away before she did something reckless.

“Are you headed out?” she asked, eyeing his suit.

“Yeah. Office meeting.”

“I’m amazed you even remember where your office is. You’re always here.”

He paused slightly. “That’s because I’ve outsourced most of the load. So I can spend time... with people who matter to me.”

As he spoke, he slid an arm around her waist and pulled her close. Her heartbeat skipped as he leaned in again, slowly, givingher every chance to pull away.She didn’t.Their lips met in a kiss again that was soft, soulful, and magnetic—one that felt like a promise of forever. Her fingers tangled lightly in the fabric of his suit jacket as his hand slid along her back.

Just then, her phone buzzed.

They froze. She looked at the screen and sighed.

“Duty calls,” she muttered.

“So does temptation,” he said, brushing his thumb along her jaw.

Flushed, Nandini forced herself to slip a little away with a smile to take the call. She was still close enough for him to hear her conversation.

She picked it up with slightly shaky fingers.

“Hello?” Her voice was a little breathless. “Yes, this is Nandini Raichand.”

Pause…

“Tomorrow? Okay… thank you. I’ll confirm by evening. Thanks again.”

She disconnected the call and stood still for a moment, her brows drawn together, lips pressed in a thoughtful line.

Shaurya, who was still recovering from the kiss, immediately caught the change in her expression.

“What is it?” he asked softly, stepping closer again.

She sighed. “It was from one of the investors I pitched to last month. They want to set up a call tomorrow to discuss things further.”

“That’s great, Nandini.” He smiled, genuinely happy for her.

“Yes, but…” She hesitated, her smile faltering. “Tomorrow’s also the day I have to take Daadu to the hospital to get his cast removed.”

Shaurya rolled his eyes with exaggerated exasperation. “You don’t have to do that. I’ll take him.”

“What?” she blinked. “No, Shaurya. You’ve already sacrificed so much of your work time for us. For him. I can’t keep—”

He didn’t let her finish. Gently, he reached out and touched her cheek, letting his fingers linger a moment longer than necessary.